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Destination GuideWESTERN BHUTAN Western Bhutan is comprises of Paro, Haa,Thimphu ,Punakha, Wangdue Phodrang and Phobjikha valleys separated by high passes or “La” – Cheili La (3980m), Dochu La (3050m), and Pele La (3500m). Western Bhutan is known for its stunning scenery with lush green valleys, timeless flow of the rivers originating from the Himalayas, stunning farm houses, pristine forests and many more beautiful sights. Brief summaries of these magical places are given below.
Paro District lies to the east of Haa and West of Thimphu..The
Paro valley is one of the most beautiful valleys of Bhutan. Thimphu Valley Thimphu is a small, charming,pristine capital city sandwiched in the heart of the Himalayas. Thimphu is the Headquarters for the Royal Government of Bhutan and has well established infrastructure.Thimphu is also the home to several foreign missions,development projects,business establishments. Thimphu is embellished with numerous places of historic importance and touristic interest.Attractions include the National Institute of Traditional Medicine,Institute of the 13 Arts and crafts,The Textile Museum,Folk Heritage Museum,National Museum,Handicrafts Emporium,Royal Academy of Performing Arts,Weekend Market , many Temples and Monasteries
The first stop after leaving Thimphu on the journey east is Dochu La at 3050m. Only an hour’s drive from Thimphu, it offers visitors their first glimpse of the Eastern Himalayan range. The best time to reach Dochu La is early morning when the mountain views are clear and one can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the Bhutanese Himalayas. From the pass the road curls its way down into the warm lowlands
of the Punakha Valley. Before Thimphu was made the permanent capital
of Bhutan , Punakha was the winter Capital because of its more temperate
climate and historic significance. The Je Khenpo (Head abbot of
Bhutan’s religious order) and his council of monks come in
the winter months here. Wangduephodrang Wangduephodrang is the last western town on the highway before central Bhutan. Wangduephodrang(or Wangdue) is a typical small Bhutanese town.The fortress of wangdue commands a strategic view of the east-west and north-south routes.In the 17th century wangduephodrang played a major role in unifying the western,central and southern Bhutanese districts. Phobjikha Valley & Gangtey Gonpa A few hours drive from Wangdue phodrang is the enchanting valley
of sha Phobjikha . Here also is Gangtey Gompa, an exquisite Nyingmapa
monastery dating back to the 17th century. Phuentsholing Popularly known as the `Gateway` to Bhutan, Phuentsholing is a vibrant town located adjacent to the Indian border town of Jalpaiguri, a district of the Indian state of west Bengal. The town is a busting commercial centre providing a glimse of Indian merchants and Bhutanese dressed in traditional kho and kiras. The climate of Phuentsholing contrasts greatly with the higher land of Bhutan. It is tropical, hot and humid during the summer, and warm and pleasant in the winter. It is located 180km from Thimphu and is about a six hours drive. Phuentsholing is the only other entery/ exit point to Bhutan other than airport at Paro. The closest Indian domestic airport is at Bagdogra, about 160 km from the Bhutanese border, which is connected by daily flights to Delhi and Kolkata. CENTRAL BHUTAN The Black mountains separate western Bhutan from central Bhutan. This region includes Trongsa and the rich broad valleys of Bumthang including Chumey, Choekor, Tang and Ura valleys. The passes crossed are Yotong la(3425m/11,237ft) and Thrumshing la (3780m/12,40ft). Central Bhutan is known for its buckwheat and apple production, it’s the sturdy stone houses, and its plethora of monasteries. It’s the ideal place for walking due to its broad valleys and sloping mountains. The beauty of the Bumthang valley is legendary. Below are described the main areas of central Bhutan. Trongsa
Trongsa’s location in the geographic center of the kingdom has enabled “penlop” to effectively control the entire East and West of the country from there. Ta Dzong, the watch tower, which once guarded the Dzong from internal rebellion, stands impressively above the Dzong and provides visitor with some insight into the historical significance of Trongsa in Bhutan’s history. Bumthang Valley
EASTERN BHUTAN. This region comprises Mongar, Lhuentse, Tashigang and Trashi Yangtse. The forests dissipate and the altitude are lower compared to the central and western region resulting in a warmer climate. Eastern Bhutan is known for its stunning woodwork and exquisite hand- loomed textiles,the weavers are all masters of the weft- weave technique. Eastern Bhutan is the least traveled area of the country. Below are described the main areas of Eastern Bhutan. Mongar The Mongar district is the northern portion of the ancient region of Kheng. The eastern dialect is so different from the western dialect . Thrumshing la pass and seven hours drive separate Ura from Mongar in the east. The journey is one of the most beautiful in all the Himalayas. Rising out of Ura the highway climbs steeply to the highest pass(3800m, 12800ft) along the west east highway at Thrumshing la pass (during the winter the pass can be closed for several days after snowfall) where the mountains of east Bhutan can be seen during clear weather. Mongar dzong was built in 1953 on the orders of the third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. The royal guest house is located near the dzong enjoying a pleasant view from the garden over Mongar valley. Some of the finest weaving villages in Bhutan are found in the Mongar area. Trashigang Tashigang is the eastern-most point on the highway. Eastern residents
use Tashigang Tashigang dzong is perched on jagged piece of land jutting out from the town , the first landmark that can be seen from the road winding up to Tashigang. The dzong was built in 1659 and commands a spectacular view over the fact that it only has one courtyard Trashi Yangtse On the drive to Trashiyangste you pass the town of Duksum located on the Dangme chhu and its tributary. It is a few kilometers past Gom Kora. A large boulder sits in the garden of Gom Kora(Gomphu Kora) temple and it is said that if anyone can climb below the rock and emerge from its summit, he will be forgiven of his sins. Duksum is a small weaver`s town where you can find a fair amount of weavers producing some very nice work. The landmark of the town is a original iron chain suspension bridge built by Thangthong Gyalpo or Lama Chazampa (lama iron-bridge ) in the 1600`s. Trashiyangtse is a small town and a lovely place from where the visitor can launch a hike into the surrounding countryside. Chorten Kora is a one of the two such stupas in Bhutan with styles similar to those found in Nepal and is host to a great festival every march which attracts all of eastern Bhutan’s residents. The chorten is entirely whitewashed and ideally situated next to a running brook. Trashi Yangste is also famous for hand made wooden bowls and cups used all over the country. The finest are made from rhododendron . Samdrup Jongkhar From Tashigang the road descends through thick jungle before arriving
at the border town of Samdrup Jongkhar. The town serves as the trading
post in eastern Bhutan.The road from Tashigang to Samdrup Jongkhar
was completed in early 1960s and enables the eastern parts of the
kingdom to access and benefit from trade with the south as well
as across the border into India. |
Paro
Valley
Punakha
Valley
Crossing
the Black mountains which separate western and central Bhutan, you`ll
enter a part of the country which until the 1970`s was only reached
by mule and foot trails. The mountains roads passes through deciduous
forests and at the second pass,pele la, the entire area is blanketed
by high altitude dwarf bamboo. About five miles from Trongsa, the
road winds around a cliff to a viewpoint looking down onto the settlement
of Trongsa. The view is one of the most beautiful sights in all
Bhutan and one from which you may remember for a long time. Sloping
down the contours of a spur stands the many- leveled Trongsa Dzong,
built in 1648. It takes at least another 40 minutes from the look-
out before you arrive in Trongsa proper. The Dzong acts as a defensive
fortress, and its bright golden yellow roof occupies most of the
view from Trongsa. Trongsa is the ancestral home of the Royal Family.
The Crown Prince of Bhutan traditionally becomes “penlop”
(Governor) of Trongsa before being crowned king. Trongsa Dzong has
been the traditional home of all four kings of Bhutan prior to their
ascending the thrown.
Continuing
past Trongsa are two spectacular passes into the Bumthang valley,
often compared to Switzerland due to its beautiful landscape. The
terrain changes quickly from rhododendron forest to conifers. Bumthang
gets its name from the “vessel” shape of the valley.
The Bumthang valley comprises of the four valleys of Chumey,Choekhor,Tang
and Ura.The first valley, chumey (2700m) is a wide fertile valley
where wheat, barley, potatoes and buckwheat are cultivated. It is
also known for its famous woolen textile called “Bumthang
Yathra”. Continuing we enter the Bumthang valley consisting
of the Choekar (west), Jakar and Tang (east) valleys. .Bumthang
is also the spiritual heartland of Bhutan blessed with many temples,monasteries,palaces
and legends.The beauty of the valley combined with the legendary
hospitality of the inhabitants transports one to another age.